Ferrari says win wasn't easy

Schumacher was able to be break awat at the beginning of the race when Kimi Raikkonen's McLaren got into second and held up the field. By the time Schuey pitted for his first stop he had a 15s lead.

"We are looking very strong, but generally it was not a clean race and we were helped today because others had difficulties," said Schumacher.

"As was obvious, I had run quite light on fuel in qualifying. I had a good start and was immediately able to build up a lead as Raikkonen in second was holding up the others. It was fantastic to see how I could pull away. That gave me the edge I needed and I was confident that our strategy would work."

Barrichello took a good second place after starting in seventh, thanks to a strong two-stop strategy. But he says that his race could have been ruined by Takuma Sato's attempt to overtake towards the end of the event.

"I think Sato's move was a bit amateur," said Barrichello. "Luckily I just saw his nose and moved over. After the incident, I lost part of my bargeboard and it was lucky the race was in its final stages as it affected the handling. It took me a couple of laps to assess what the car was doing, and then the team told me to push again because [Jenson] Button was closing."

Both Schumacher and team boss Jean Todt dedicated the win to Umberto Agnelli: "On the eve of the race we had hoped to get a one-two to dedicate it to the memory of Umberto and we are happy to have succeeded," said Ferrari team boss Jean Todt. "Mr Agnelli was usually the first to ring to congratulate us after a win, the last time being in Barcelona. So this one is for him."